“The Cyprus problem is clearly an EU problem,” said the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, in his blog, while noting that the Cyprus issue matters also for the broader relations between Turkey and the European Union.
“The present attempt to relaunch peace negotiations is not starting from scratch. We can build upon a legal framework and convergences from past negotiations,” underlined Josep Borrell, “The solution to the Cyprus issue cannot come from outside. The responsibility for finding a solution lies first and foremost with the Cypriots themselves. We know it is going to be a complex process but during my meetings, I was encouraged by the readiness of both President Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar to engage with the UN in order to find a common ground on the way forward.” At the same time, Josep Borrell stated that “the EU stands ready to provide whatever assistance both leaders and the UN would find most useful.”
“The Cyprus problem is clearly an EU problem: Cyprus is a member state of the Union, now and after reunification; regional stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean is closely bound to a solution to the Cyprus problem,” he said, “The Cyprus issue matters also for the broader relations between Turkey and the European Union. These relations are equally approaching a turning point after a particularly difficult year 2020: the relative calm that we are currently experiencing at sea in the Eastern Mediterranean and on settlement-related issues is tenuous. Progress in the Cyprus talks is more important than ever before.”
Source: ANA-MPA